Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1887-11-20

Somebody says that you can never
tell gentleman until you see him at the
table. Mrs. Smith found that, applying
this rule to her guest, she was certainly
a high bred woman, even il she had not
been convinced OF this before. After
lunch was over they returned to the par.
lor, and Miss Howard at the request Of
her hostess sat down 10 the piano and
very soon showed that she was an accom-
plished musician and had lovely con-
tralto voice.
Then they talked further about Mrs.
Smiths school-days, and that lady was
thoroughly convinced that, no matter
from whom she had received the informa-
ton, Miss Howard was thoroughly
posted on Mrs Smiths earlyllie, though
she could not recall the name OF the
school when it was mentioned, nor yet
the name OF any Of those VINO had been
Mrs. Smiths early associates there, and
who might have been her mother.
PLENTY OF MONEY.
As the afternoon wore on the young
lady mnde a movement to 90, bat her
hostess insisted upon her staying until
her husband came, which would beabout
o'clock. The young lady chceriully
assented, and when Mr.. Smith came i'll
was introduced with short explanation
of her presence Smith was charmed at
"A glance and almost forgot his dinner
When that was announced. why, Of
course, Miss Howard could not go away,
and alter dinner she should be sent any
where she desired IN the carriage. But
after dinner the young lady seemed so
thoroughly content that the evening
slipped away before any one knew il.
She played, she sang, she talked
French with Smith and Italian with his
wife, and when told that twas too late for
her TO go TO strange hotel, and tba; she
must stay there that night, after mo
mcnt's thought she assentcd, and when
the time arrived was accompanied to her
chamber by Mrs. Smith, who afterwari
reported to her husband that Miss
Howard's undcrwcar was Of super
lative fnencss and her diamonds worth
at least $4,000, aud that She
had handed her a pocket-boOk with
her money in to take care %. On OK
amiuing this they were astonishod 10 find
that it contained thirty five 81, coo bills,
but not card or anything to lead to the
identity OF the young lady. That night
Mr. and hrs. Smith discussed what hal
better be done in the case, but the only
conclusion arrived At was that thcy
would not Jet her depart next day, or
after If they could prevent it, until they
found Out where she came from and who
her friends were.
The next day Mr. and Mrs. Smith
were more charmed and interested in
their guest than ever. Smith stayed at
home all day TO see if in conversation he
coald elicit anything that would Doe q
clue rs to her identity or where she came
from, hut To- no avail. fla direct qucs.
ton Was put 10 her she seemed PANIED
and answered that she had forgotten.
When offered her money back she only
Muehod and said she did not want il.
When Smith proposed to deposit it IN
bank she careleSsly asscntcd, and he has
done 80 i'm her name.
Then they proposed that she should
make her home with them rather than
60 to q hotel, and She acceptcd as though
1t was matter OF course. Mrs. Smith
had no children and 10 family residing
with her.
Al tbs was months ago and Ms.
Howard remains still with the Smiths.
They have tried every mems within their
power to find ont who She Us without
success. S>hc has proved such an addi-
ton 10 theirhappmcss tnatthey both hope
they viii not find ont, aud they huy,
long ceased TO talk to her on tine subj
as they lind it only troubles her and
causes the wandering OF the mind. wiicl
comes at no other time. They Will not
hear, nor will she OF putting the case ~
the hands II the police, and especially
do they dread reporters, who, bauoa
got somehow an inhhuG OF the story, ur,
anxious 10 get more, but or" repIi,cd d
every turn. Miss Howard s. baggage IN.
never been found, though every cXeit!or
Das been made, and there is no doubt
that she Lad it, SD thnt nh entire new
wardrobe has been bought for her
/ Il Is believed by Mr.. and Mrs Smitl
that Howard IS not her true name, ba
whenever she is approached on that sub
iect she bursts into "a violent food o
tears, and seems as fully distressed. 4